Year:

1828

Vermont

This letter has many significant separations and should be reinforced with archival tape. However, the content is phenomenal. The writer details a "fire at Wheelwright Shop who consumed it with all its contents...the platform & Bridge was burned to ashes. Mr. Weatherbee's house took fire several times but owning to the unwavering effort of the citizens it was saved. The red shop on the west side of the bridge took fire but was saved. The Baptist Meeting House also. It was a gloomy time. She also describes several recent weddings. Here's a sample: "Martha Ann is marrying the blacksmith who buried his wife six weeks ago. Martha had three offers, a minister, a farmer, a young physician and she saw fit to refuse all." It is later revealed that they planned to live in the Wheelwright Shop and now had to find other lodgings. A friend has a healthy newborn and the writer says she "regrets God sees fit to take her children from her in infancy". She mentions the recipient is located near an Indian settlement and she wishes she were there instead of Saxtons River. A full, easy-to-read multi-page letter. Strong Sextons River manuscript mark and 25-cent rate to Illinois. Mailed March 3 and received March 27.